Creamy Goat Cheese & Sausage Pasta

Total Time: 30 Mins | Servings: 4 | Calories per Serving: 682

Al dente pasta is tossed in a velvety goat cheese and ricotta sauce, then combined with savory Italian sausage, fragrant shallots and garlic, and fresh thyme. The result is a dish that balances the richness of the creamy, tangy sauce with the bold flavors of the sausage, making it the perfect centerpiece for an Italian-inspired meal.

INGREDIENTS

1 lbs pasta
1 lbs mild Italian ground sausage
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small shallot (finely diced)
1 cup spinach
1 package broccolini
1/4 cup white wine (sub. chicken broth)
1 1/2 tsp thyme
1 tsp red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Salt & pepper (to taste)

SAUCE
4oz goat cheese
1/2 cup ricotta
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp water
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper (to taste)

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package's instructions. Drain pasta once al dente, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Set pasta aside for Step 6.

STEP 2
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large pan on Medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pan and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper, transfer to a small bowl, and set aside for Step 3.

STEP 3
Add the broccolini and minced shallots to the pan and cook for 10 minutes, adding the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme in towards the end to prevent burning. Add the cooked sausage, white wine (or chicken stock), and spinach to the pan and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Turn the heat to low once the wine is cooked off and set aside for Step 5.

STEP 4
Combine the Goat Cheese Sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until the consistency is smooth. Set aside for Step 5.

STEP 5
Add the sausage mixture to the pot with the cooked pasta. Pour in the Goat Cheese Sauce and toss to evenly coat the pasta and meat. 

STEP 6
Remove the pasta from heat, garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and serve with cheesy garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or your favorite Italian side dish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

682 calories | 52g protein | 51g carbs | 3og fat